How to lease a handicap unit...to anyone! Help!

:S so very hard to lease a handicap accessible unit with wheelchair accommodations to your visitors who don't require it. These units tend to sit vacant longer and add $$$ to our vacancy loss every day. How do we fill them? Ideas and suggestions are welcome!

Can you advertise it? Craiglist, local newspaper ad? I would also contact other comparable communities in the area and let them know you have one.They might know of someone looking for one. Also, do you have a local board of disabilities you can contact and send information too?

You could also dress it up as a mini-model. Use elaborate, expensive towels in the bathroom with lots of very nice smelling plug-ins.

I've always thought they just seem stark and cold. How about a special warm-color paint or accent wall?

You have to sell the unit and its features as a whole. Talk up the positive about the unit, such as location. Is it closer to parking? Closer to the office? A better view of something nice to see on the property? I know at one of my communities the stoves are glass top in the accessible unit versus the coil, therefore they are easier in the eyes. Also, if allowable, run special on that unit offering some type of concession if they sign a 12 month lease by a certain date.

Here is what I would do. First of all, I would get the outreach going to some of the rehab places and assisted living facilities, to all the senior care giver service providers (like Home Instead) and doctors' offices that cater to seniors. You might try physical therapy offices, too. I would also re-evaluate lease terms and offer flexible leases on this unit. That way, someone might start with a four month lease but not get better fast enough and renew for another three or four months. Charging a short term fee could help the budget.

I would also go look at the unit (probably the first thing to do ) and reassess it. Does it look like where I want to live? Why or why not? Does the unit have a lot of natural sunlight? I can tell you that when someone has mobility issues, it is great to be somewhere with a lot of natural light. I would add some little touches in the bathrooms and kitchens plus I would add some big Word Bubbles with large lettering showcasing features of the unit and the benefits of living in this one. I would also add patio furniture and if the community is pet friendly emphasize that residents can bring their fur babies, too! Help alleviate loneliness.

In your marketing materials, add that your community is handicap accessible. I can tell you these types of apartments can be hard to find when you need one! Make sure there is a van accessible handicapable parking space right by that unit, too. Many people in wheelchairs require vans or larger transportation.